WILLIAM HENRY DURHAM

CAMBRIA HEIGHTS, N.Y. -- William Henry Durham, the son of Dora and Oscar Durham, was born in Goldsboro (Wayne County) April 10, 1920. He went home to glory Sept. 7, 2012, at Franklin Hospital in Valley Stream, N.Y.

He was a World War II veteran (staff sergeant), having honorably served his country as a military policeman in the United States Army from April 14, 1941, to March 13, 1945.

Thereafter, he returned to North Carolina and began his migration north, finding various jobs along the way.

He married his longtime sweetheart, also from Goldsboro, Sadie Belle Hooker, in July 1946 in Philadelphia, Pa.

They then settled in Brooklyn, N.Y., and later Cambria Heights, N.Y., in 1960, where they eventually raised their family.

Bill was employed by Corona Lightolier Corp. of Jersey City, N.J., with 36 years of service, and was a lifetime member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 3.

He took early retirement in 1983 to be with Sadie, who was fighting leukemia.

After her passing, he met and married Evelyn Payne Aug. 3, 1985. Evelyn was the love of his life and his support during his golden years.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn Durham; his daughter, Gayle Antoinette Durham of Charlotte; his son, William Fitzgerald Durham and daughter-in-law, Bissett Durham, of Philadelphia, Pa.; his stepdaughter, Brenda Payne Whiteman, and stepson-in-law, Lee Whiteman, of Robbinsville, N.J.; his stepson, McDonald Payne III, and stepdaughter-in-law, Heather Payne, of West Orange, N.J.; eight grandchildren, Isaiah, Ian, Belinda, Bethany, Gabrielle, Danielle, Morgan and Miles; and a host of relatives and friends.

Bill was a hero of his generation, and will be missed by all who loved and knew him.

In his memory, you are welcome to send flowers or make donations to the Alzheimer's Association.